I alighted from the train at Simrishamn, in Skåne Sweden, my normal plan at this time of the year is to visit the west coast of Denmark, but with rain predicted in the west and sunshine predicted in the east the choice was easy, especially given that travel was also considerably cheaper. The weather was cool with a hint of blue sky. I set off through Simrishamn admiring the fishing boats and the buildings adjacent to the waterfront. Soon I was out of Simrishamn and following the bike/walking path adjacent to the coast line far off in the distance was the goal for the day, Stenshuvud-National-Park. For now though I was happy wandering along the coastline, appreciating the views across the calm sea, listening to the birds and enjoying the sunshine.

I chose to stop at the rocky outcrop at Vårhallarna and admire the sea and the rocks it was very relaxing.

I could have just sat and watched the waves, listened to the sea and enjoyed the ever-changing seascape. Eventually I set off again, admiring the old winch as I wandered along the beach, then on to a foot track adjacent to the beach. I met a few day walkers along the way and passed through an interesting stone garden, across a quietly flowing stream. I admired the fishing boats in the harbour at Baskemölla as headed towards Vik.

With Stenshuvuds clearly evident on the horizon, I was intrigued by what looked like a dead tree but as I got closer I realised it was a sculpture of sorts.
Passing the sculpture I was soon in the streets of Vik and once again I was presented with an unusual sight, a very well preserved petrol bowser.

As I climbed out of Vik, I took a moment to admire the small harbour and reflect upon what had been a very enjoyable walk adjacent to the beach.

But for now I was to head inland following minor roads, passing around and through apple orchards, some of which still contained apples, yes they were ripe and delicious, eventually I returned to the beach at Rörums Strand. Once on the beach I realised that the tide was in and wet feet were a distinct possibility, but with some agile footwork and adept rock hopping I managed to avoid wet feet.

Approaching the point the trail climbs up to the Naturum, before taking you over the north and south peaks of Stenshuvuds, the views to the south are extensive, but today it was hazy and with a very cool wind blowing I spent very little time on top before heading down towards Kivik. So I leave you with a photo from the archives.
By now it was late in the day so as I approached Kivik, I found somewhere to camp and settled in for the night, listening to the waves rolling onto the shore, it was relaxing. The following morning I was up early and begun the road walk into Kivik. But there was a surprise in store (one should never read guidebooks). I was happily following the bitumen, when there in front of me appeared this large stone mound.

I later discovered that the mound is approximately 75 metres in diameter and is known as the Kings Grave now it is questionable that there is a King (or chief) buried there but the enormity of the mound keeps me wondering why was such a large mound built.

One of the plaques indicated that 6 teenagers had been buried there over a period of 300 years, why? I left with many unanswered questions, maybe one day I will know more.

Kivik is the centre of the apple growing region and is famous for its apples, cider, and every year there is a festival, I just missed the festival but the remnants of the festival including this sculpture were very obvious. Heading out of Kivik, the trail followed the road to Vitemölla, the road was quiet and was flanked by the coast line one side and a raised sand ridge on the other. With the sun shining and very little traffic early in the morning it was a pleasant walk, as I entered Vitemölla I was taken by the sign. The sign confirms to me,as an english speaker, some signs can be easily misunderstood.

For those wondering, the sign indicates a mini golf course. Vitemölla is a sleepy village hamlet and was a pleasure to walk through, my feeling is that in summer it is a lot busier. After passing through Vitemölla I entered the Vitemölla Strandbackar Nature Reserve, which is part of the EU’s Natura 2000 network Vitemölla nature reserve is a magic place, with beautiful sandy beaches, large flat areas and tree covered hills as a backdrop. As I walked along the cliff top adjacent to the beach.

I admired the surroundings enjoying every step I took. before descending to Klammersbäok after crossing the stream it seemed that morning tea was appropriate, and finding an ideal location I settled down to watch the waves roll onto the shore.

Whilst sitting I could here the occasion “thump” from further up the coast as the Swedish Military practise their shooting skills at Ravlunda firing range. I continued northwards along the coast continually admiring the view out to sea, and as I crossed the final stream before the trail turned inland, I decided to stop for lunch and enjoy the warmth of the sunshine and the views. It was very relaxing.

Ive enjoyed you blog over the years and posted once or twice on Lapland. Married to a Swede Ive spent some good walking time up there and enjoyed reading your trip reports. Having started from once Kilipisjarvi (ended up in abisko that year) I find your trip report on Finnmark very interesting. Anyhow also walked Skaneleden as well and enjoyed the section to Kivik a lot. On a warm June day it felt like the Caribbean a bit!Keep up the good blogging. I have started myself after many years of reading other's walking blogs. It's to chart my Gronabandet attempt in 201 from Grovelsjon to Treriksroset. A whole 2 months out! Have treated myself to a Scarp 1 which should arrive soon from the US!

Thanks for dropping ny Mark, and I am glad you are enjoying the blog. I look forward to reading more about your trip, 2 months that certainly will keep you busy, just the planning alone will be exciting I imagine. When are you starting and how do we locate your blog?

I am starting off at the beginning of July and suspect it will take 50 plus days (will have to be sure of that as I need to book a flight back from Tromso to Gatwick). Yes the planning is fun, it certainly brightens the dark November days. I must soon start cooking and dehydrating my meals and that will drive my wife nuts. Anyways, drop by at http://oneswedishsummer.weebly.com and see how I am getting on. Slowly building some content on it! Mark

Really sounds like a fun trip and now that you have pointed me in the direction of the Gronabandet I am studying it in more detail. Thanks for the blog link, I am now following the blog and I look forward to your posts. I agree the Scarp is a good choice, if I did not have a Moment, I would have a Scarp.

Thanks Nibe, Autumn is a great time to be wandering the coasts and the forests in my view, there is still some warmth in the sunshine, there is colour in the forests, there is few bugs and not many other wanderers.